The reserve consists of 5,028 acres north and east of the town of Cedar Key. The reserve contains diverse habitats such as salt marsh, pine flatwoods, and sand pine scrub. Although much of the property is relatively low and flat, elevations range from sea level on the western edge to 30 feet above mean sea level on the relict dune ridge in the northwest portion. These ridges are the highest and driest on the property, and support sand pine scrub and scrubby flatwoods.